Easy Crispy Tofu

Tofu is a controversial, plant-based beast. If you clicked on this recipe, you probably don’t need much convincing (hey there, my soy-loving friends), but someone you’re serving might, and you’ve come to the right place. This easy crispy tofu recipe has tofu skeptics top of mind.

I’ll admit that cooking tofu can be challenging. I follow a vegan(ish) diet and eat a good amount of tofu, but–for a long time–my approach involved a lot of shoulder shrugging, unwrapping, cutting, and putting in the oven. Luckily, I fall on the tofu love side of the continuum (love is love, y’all), so I was never deterred by the result, and–after discovering this easy crispy tofu recipe–I can safely say that others won’t be either.

It’s all about three main steps: (1) press the tofu to get rid of the excess water, (2) pan fry it, then (3) bake it. Once you’ve completed these steps, toss your golden brown baddies in marinade on low heat for max flavor and add to your favorite curry, rice dish, bowl, you name it. This recipe transforms tofu into flavor chameleons, taking on a variety of flavors depending on your seasonings and marinades, so dream big here because we’re in the tofu blue ocean.

For an easy dinner, try vegan fried rice or tofu banh mi bowls. If you made this easy tofu recipe, we’d love to hear from you especially if you’re a new tofu convert. Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo #plantandvine on Instagram.

Easy Crispy Tofu

This easy crispy tofu recipe has three steps to perfection: (1) press, (2) pan fry, and (3) bake. This recipe is versatile and will take on the flavors it is cooked with, making it a flexible source of protein for many different meals.

• Author: Plant & Vine
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Protein
• Method: Bake
• Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

• 16 ounces extra firm tofu 
• Pinch sea salt
• 1-2 tsp desired seasoning (such as curry powder, chili powder, cumin, etc.)
• 2 Tbsp neutral oil, such as grapeseed oil 

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Wrap the tofu block in an absorbent towel, surrounding the towel with absorbent towels. Set something heavy on top (cast iron pans are your friend!) to press out extra moisture. Let the tofu press sit for at least 10 minutes.
3. Unwrap tofu and cut into small cubes.
4. Put tofu cubes in a medium mixing bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to coat the tofu and season with a pinch of salt and desired seasoning, which will vary depending on your dish. Mix until evenly distributed.
5. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the remaining tablespoon oil and the seasoned tofu. Sauté for 5 minutes, making sure to brown the tofu on all sides.
6. Once tofu is seasoned on all sides, remove from heat. Line baking sheet with parchment paper to avoid tofu sticking to the sheet and add tofu cubes.
7. Bake about 15 minutes, or until the tofu is firm and begins to dry out and crisp up. If you want crispier tofu, bake it for longer, keeping an eye on it so it doesn’t dry out too much. You don’t want tofu rocks.
8. Once desired crispiness is achieved, remove from oven. This is the ideal time to toss the tofu in a marinade or sauce, depending on your dish.
9. Best when fresh. Store in covered container in refrigerator up to 4 days.

Notes

*Recipe is a guide. Adapt ingredients and measurements as desired. Baking times may be different, depending on oven settings. Inspired by Minimalist Baker’s Quick & Easy Crispy Tofu.

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